Functional buttons with buttonholes for fastening or closing clothes appeared first in Germany in the 13th century. They soon became widespread with the rise of snug-fitting garments in 13th- and 14th-century Europe. Reference: Wikipedia

Below are some examples of silver buttons which have been used throughout history.

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Compacts date from the early 1900s, a time when make-up had not gained widespread social acceptance and the first powder cases were often concealed within accessories such as walking sticks, jewellery or hatpins.

From 1896, American handbag manufacturer Whiting & Davis created lidded compartments in its bags where powder rouge and combs could be stowed. In 1908, Sears’ catalogue advertised a silver-plated case with mirror and powder puff (price 19 cents) and described it as small enough to fit in a handbag.

In the US, manufacturers such as Evans and Elgin American produced metal compacts with either finger chains or longer tango chains. Designed to be displayed rather than fitted in a handbag, they required more ornate designs and many from this era are examples of sleek Art Deco styling.

As make-up became more mainstream and women were increasingly active outside the home, compacts became more popular. British manufacturer Stratton began importing part-finished powder boxes from the US for assembly at its Birmingham plant in 1923 and by the 1930s it was creating them from scratch and producing half the compacts used by the UK cosmetics industry. The company developed self-opening inner lids in 1948, designed to protect the powder and prevent damage to fingernails, and by the 1960s it was exporting to agents worldwide. Reference: Wikipedia

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Button Hooks are small hooks for fastening a button on shoes or gloves. Antique Button Hooks are very collectible due to their attractive and often elaborate handles. Different sizes were used for gloves and shoes. Button Hooks were very popular in the Victorian and Edwardian era especially after the invention of a sewing machine, by James Morely in 1880, which was used to attach buttons to high top shoes in 1880. The buttons themselves were usally made of fibre or glass.

High top shoes went out of fashion during World War I. This was because leather was scarce through this time. At this time button hooks also became less popular but are still a delight to collectors and with fashion coming and going throughout the ages, can still have a practical purpose today.

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Scent bottles / perfume bottles have been made and decorated with silver for many years. They have been used for holding wine, scent, snuff and many other substances. Below are some examples of scent bottles either made of or decorated with silver.

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